WO2016075677A1

WO2016075677A1 - An article of wear

Info

Publication number: WO2016075677A1
Application number: PCT/IE2015/000020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Patrick Cunningham
Original assignee: Kelteknohow Limited
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Also published as: US20170347750A1; EP3217828A1

Abstract

An article of wear (1) comprises leggings (4), leg portions (8) of which terminate in foot engageable elements (10), and shoe elements (5) are releasably engageable with the foot engageable elements (10). An inner sole (22) of each shoe element (5) is located within each foot engageable element (10) and is secured to an outer sole (13) of the corresponding shoe element (5) by T-shaped elements (29) which extend from the outer sole (13) and engage L-shaped elements (30) in first recesses (39) in the inner sole (22) with sole portion (25) of the corresponding foot engageable element (10) tightly clamped between the outer and inner soles (13,22). First pads (53) of hooks (54) on the outer soles (13) are engageable with second pads (55) of eyes (56) in second recesses (58) of the inner soles (22) adjacent toe portions (50) thereof for retaining the toe portions (50) of the outer and inner soles (13,22) tightly together.

Description

"An article of wear" The present invention relates to an article of wear.

The wearing of trousers, slacks, jeans, leggings, tights and the like is common amongst ladies and girls. In general, as illustrated in Fig. 1, when wearing such trousers, slacks and jeans, and in particular tight trousers, slacks and jeans as well as leggings with shoes 100, which may or may not be high heeled shoes, but generally are open at the instep 101 , a portion 102 of the lower part of the ankle and the instep 101 of the foot are exposed. In many cases, this is undesirable. It is therefore desirable that this problem be addressed.

The present invention is directed towards addressing the problem.

According to the invention there is provided an article of wear comprising a garment comprising a foot engageable element and a leg engageable element extending from the foot engageable element, a shoe element comprising a ground engaging outer sole, and a coupling means for releasably coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element of the garment.

Preferably, the coupling means is configured for coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element with a sole portion of the foot engageable element abutting the outer sole. Advantageously, the outer sole defines a ground engaging outer surface, and an opposite inner surface.

In one aspect of the invention the shoe engageable element comprises an inner sole configured for locating in the foot engageable element, and the coupling means is configured for coupling the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element trapped between the inner sole and the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention the coupling means is configured to tightly couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element tightly clamped between the inner sole and the outer sole.

Preferably, the inner sole defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and the coupling means is configured to couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element located between the outer surface of the inner sole and the inner surface of the outer sole.

In one aspect of the invention the coupling means comprises at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations.

Preferably, one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the outer sole, and the other one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the inner sole.

In one aspect of the invention two spaced apart pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are provided.

Preferably, one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is located adjacent a heel portion of the respective soles, and the other one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are located forwardly on the respective soles spaced apart from the pair of the interengageable complementary formations located adjacent the heel portion of the soles.

Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof are releasable interengageable complementary formations.

In one aspect of the invention one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises a retaining member connected to and spaced apart from one of the inner sole and the outer sole, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises an engagement member connected to and spaced apart from the other one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the engagement member being configured for engaging between the retaining member of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

In another aspect of the invention the engagement member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a cross-member of a T-shaped element, and a central member of the T-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to the cross-member for connecting the cross-member to and spacing the cross-member apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable

complementary formations comprises a first limb of an L-shaped element, and a second limb of the L-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to the first limb for connecting the first limb to and spacing the first limb apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limb being configured for engaging between the cross-member of the T- shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limb is connected.

Preferably, the L-shaped member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of spaced apart first limbs, and one second limb connecting the pair of the first limbs to the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limbs defining an elongated slot therebetween for accommodating the central member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations with the first limbs located on respective opposite sides of the central member of the T-shaped element and located between the cross-member of the T-shaped element and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected by the second limb.

Advantageously, the cross-member of the T-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the first limbs of the L-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. Ideally, the first limbs of the L-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the cross-member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the cross-member is connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. In one aspect of the invention the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected. Preferably, the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially transversely of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected.

In one aspect of the invention the T-shaped element of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the inner surface of the outer sole of the corresponding shoe element.

In another aspect of the invention the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

Preferably, the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially longitudinally of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

In one aspect of the invention the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the outer surface of the inner sole of the corresponding shoe element.

Preferably, one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof is recessed into a first recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which that interengageable complementary formation is connected. Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formation of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations which is recessed into the first recess lies flush with the surface of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole into which the first recess is formed.

In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formation comprising the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is recessed into the first recess of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention a first opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating a corresponding one of the interengageable complementary formation of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations.

In another aspect of the invention a first pad of one of hooks and eyes is located on the outer sole, and a second pad of the other ones of the hooks and eyes is located on the inner sole of the shoe element, the first and second pads being located so that the hooks on one of the first and second pads are interengageable with the eyes of the other one of the first and second pads for retaining the inner and outer soles together. Preferably, a second opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating one of the hooks and the eyes of the respective first and second pads to engage with each other one of the hooks and the eyes.

In one aspect of the invention the first pad comprises the hooks.

Preferably, the first and second pads are located adjacent the toe ends of the inner sole and the outer sole.

Advantageously, one of the first and second pads comprising the one of the hooks and the eyes is recessed into a second recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner and outer soles.

In another aspect of the invention the second pad is recessed into the second recess in the inner sole.

In another aspect of the invention the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element. Preferably, the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element by a suitable bonding material.

Advantageously, the inner sole is releaseably secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling means comprises a pair of interengageable complementary formations, one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the outer sole, and the other one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element. Preferably, one of the interengageable complementary formations is located externally on the foot engageable element.

In another aspect of the invention one of the interengageable formations comprises a first elongated male member, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a second female member engageable with the first member.

Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is mounted on the inner surface of the outer sole. Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole intermediate a toe end and a heel end thereof, and extends in a general direction towards the heel end of the outer sole. Preferably, the first member extends longitudinally along the outer sole from the location at which it is secured thereto to a location adjacent the heel end of the outer sole.

In one aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a resilient member, and is secured to the outer sole to be resiliently urged away from the inner surface of the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer sole from a location intermediate the location at which the first member is secured to the outer sole to the end of the first member towards the heel end thereof.

In one aspect of the invention the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 5mm to 20mm in its relaxed state. Preferably, the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 10mm to 15mm in its relaxed state. Advantageously, the heel end of the first member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance of approximately 12mm in its relaxed state.

Preferably, the resilience of the first member is such that in use the weight of a person standing in the shoe is sufficient to urge the first member into abutting engagement with the inner surface of the outer sole.

Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole adjacent a bridge portion of the outer sole.

Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole at a location substantially midway between the toe end and the heel end of the outer sole. Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends along the outer sole from the location to which it is secured to the outer sole to a location adjacent the toe end of the outer sole, and is secured to the outer sole adjacent the toe end thereof. Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a plate member. Ideally, the plate member is of a metal material. Ideally, the first member of the pair of the

interengageable complementary formations comprises a spring steel member.

In one aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is of width substantially similar to the width of the outer sole.

In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formation of the pair of

interengageable complementary formations which is secured to the foot engageable element is secured to the foot engageable element adjacent a sole portion thereof. Preferably, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations defines an engagement bore for engaging the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations. Advantageously, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element at a location intermediate a heel end of the foot engageable element and a location on the foot engageable element corresponding to a location at which the first member of the pair of the

interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated sleeve defining the engagement bore for engaging the first member. Preferably, the engagement bore of the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated bore extending substantially the length of the sleeve. Advantageously, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends longitudinally along the sole portion of the foot engageable element from a location adjacent the heel end thereof towards the toe end thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the heel end of the sole portion of the foot engageable element to a location of the sole portion of the foot engageable element corresponding to the location at which the male member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole.

In another aspect of the invention a heel is provided extending from the outer surface of the outer sole.

In a further aspect of the invention the heel is an elongated heel.

In one aspect of the invention the heel is of length not exceeding 130mm. Preferably, the heel is of length not exceeding 125mm. Advantageously, the heel is of length not exceeding 120mm.

In one aspect of the invention the inner and outer soles are shaped to accommodate the heel.

In one aspect of the invention the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use adjacent the knee of a wearer. Preferably, the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use at a location adjacent an upper portion of the thigh of the wearer. Advantageously, the leg engageable element extends from the foot engageable element and terminates in a leg opening of a pants.

In one aspect of the invention the garment comprises a pants portion having a pair of leg openings, a pair of the leg engageable elements extending from the pants portion adjacent the leg openings thereof, and a pair of the foot engageable elements extending from the respective leg engageable elements, and a pair of the shoe elements secured to the respective foot engageable elements.

In another aspect of the invention the garment comprises one of leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers, the one of the leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers forming the pants portion and a pair of leg portions extending from the pants portion forming the respective leg engageable elements, the foot engageable elements extending from and secured to the respective leg engageabie elements.

In a further aspect of the invention the garment comprises a pair of tights, the tights forming the pants portion forming the pants portion, the pair of the leg engageabie elements and the foot engageabie elements.

The invention also provides a shoe element for the article of a wear according to the invention.

The advantages of the invention are many. One particular advantage of the invention is that due to the fact that the leggings, trousers, slacks and jeans also include the foot engageabie elements, and the shoe elements are secured to the foot engageabie elements, there is no danger of any portion of the feet or legs of a person wearing the leggings, trousers, slacks and jeans being exposed. Another important advantage of the invention results from the fact that the foot engageabie elements of the leggings, trousers, slacks or jeans essentially form the uppers of the shoe elements, and thus, the shoe elements are provided without any uppers, and thus, only include the outer sole in some cases and the outer and inner soles in other cases. This leads to a further advantage of the invention, in that by virtue of the fact that the shoe elements do not include an upper, the absence of uppers on the shoe elements leads to a particularly elegant article of wear.

A further and particularly important advantage of the invention is that due to the fact that the shoe elements of the garment are upperless, the feet of a wearer are not constricted by the uppers which are required in conventional shoes to tightly secure the shoes to the feet of a wearer. By virtue of the fact that the feet of a wearer are not constricted by uppers, the metatarsals of the feet of a wearer are free to move as the person takes each step. It has been found that this avoids the formation of bunions, calluses, carbuncles, which in general are the result of rigid tight fitting shoes, which lead to distortion of the anatomy, skeleton of the body, and also can lead to ingrown toe nails, arches pains, as well as joint pains, muscle pains, and damage to tendons, nerves and veins. A further advantage of the invention is achieved from the embodiment of the invention in which the first member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element is provided by an elongated male member of resilient material, and where the first member is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer sole, and is resiliently urged adjacent a heel end of the outer sole from the inner surface of the outer sole. This configuration of the first members provides a damping effect on shocks to the body of a person wearing the article of wear, which occur during walking or running as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground. Thus, the resilient first members of the interengageable complementary formations act as shock absorbers for the whole of the body as each step is taken. Additionally, the resilient first members of the interengageable complementary formations also have an upward urging effect on the heels of the subject during walking or running which enhances walking and running efficiency.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of leggings being worn with a pair of high heeled shoes according to the prior art,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an article of wear according to the invention,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view from the front and one side of a portion of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the portion of Fig. 3 of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 3 of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 3 of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 3 of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of Fig. 3 of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Figs. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a detail of the article of wear of Fig. 2 illustrated in use, Fig. 10 is a top plan view of another detail of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 11 is an underneath plan view of another detail of the article of wear of Fig. 2,

Fig. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the article of wear of Fig. 1,

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an article of wear according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 15 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the article of wear of Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 15 of the article of wear of Fig. 14,

Fig. 17 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 15 of the article of wear of Fig. 14,

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of Fig. 15 of the article of wear of Fig. 14,

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional rear end elevational view of a portion of the article of wear of Fig. 14,

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of a portion of the article of wear of Fig. 14, Fig. 21 is a rear end elevational view of another portion of the article of wear of Fig. 14, and Fig. 22 is an underneath plan view of the portion of Fig. 21 of the article of wear of Fig. 14. Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 2 to 13 thereof, there is illustrated an article of wear according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The article of wear 1 comprises a garment 3 and a pair of shoe elements 5, which are also according to the invention. The garment 3 in this embodiment of the invention comprises leggings 4, which comprises a pants portion 7 extending downwardly from a waistband 6, and a pair of leg portions 8 extending from the pants portion 7, which form leg engageable elements 9. The leg engageable elements 9 terminate in corresponding foot engageable elements 10, so that the legs 11 and feet 12 of a person wearing the article of wear 1 are enclosed in the leg and feet engageable elements 9 and 10.

Each shoe element 5 comprises a ground engaging outer sole 13 having an inner surface 14 and a ground engaging outer surface 15. The outer soles 13 extend between a heel end 16 and a toe end 19 of the shoe elements 5. A heel 17 extends downwardly from the outer surface 15 of the outer sole 13 adjacent a heel portion 18 of the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 5 adjacent the heel end 16. A reinforcing steel spigot 20 extends through the outer sole 13 adjacent the heel portion 18 thereof and through the heel 17 for reinforcing the heel 17 to the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 5. The heel 17 may be of any desired height from what is commonly called a flat heel to a heel of height up to 125mm.

An inner sole 22 of each shoe element 5 has an inner surface 23 and an outer surface 24, and extend substantially the length of the outer sole 13 from the heel end 16 to the toe end 19 of the shoe element 5. Each inner sole 22 is configured for releasably locating within the corresponding foot engageable element 10, and the outer sole 13 and the inner sole 22 of each shoe element 5 are releasably coupleable together with a sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10 tightly clamped or sandwiched between the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 and the outer surface 24 of the inner sole 22 for releasably securing the shoe elements 5 to the corresponding foot engageable elements 10.

A coupling means comprising two pairs 27 of releasable interengageable complementary formations are provided for releasably coupling the inner sole 22 to the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 5. One of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair 27 thereof comprises a T-shaped element 29 extending from the inner surface 14 of the corresponding outer sole 13, which is releaseably engageable with the other one of the interengageable complementary formation, of the corresponding pair thereof, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises an L-shaped element 30 located in the

corresponding inner sole 22. One of the pairs 27 of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5, namely, the pair 27a of the interengageable complementary formations is located adjacent the heel portion 18 of the corresponding outer and inner soles 13 and 22, and the other one of the pair 27b of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5 is located on the corresponding outer and inner soles 13 and 22 forwardly of and spaced apart from the pair 27a of the interengageable complementary formation. In this embodiment of the invention the pair 27b of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5 is located adjacent a bridge portion 32 of the outer and inner soles 13 and 22 and substantially mid-way between the heel end 16 and the toe end 19 thereof.

Each T-shaped element 29 comprises an engagement member, namely, a central member 34 of steel extending upwardly from the inner surface 14 of the corresponding outer sole 13 and terminating in a cross-member 35 also of steel extending transversely relative to the outer sole 13 on respective opposite sides of the central member 34 spaced apart from the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13. The central member 34 of the T-shaped element 29 of the pair 27a of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5 extends from and is formed by a top end of the spigot 20, and the cross-member 35 may be welded to the spigot 20 or integrally formed with the spigot 20. The central member 34 of the T-shaped element 29 of the pair 27b of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5 extends from and is welded to an anchor plate (not shown) of steel embedded in the bridge portion 32 of the outer sole 13. The cross-member 35 of the T-shaped element 29 of the pair 27b of the interengageable complementary formations is welded to the central member 34. The anchor plate (not shown) may or may not extend to the central member 34 of the T-shaped element 29 of the corresponding pair 27a of the interengageable complementary formations, and could be secured to the spigot 20 to act as a reinforcing member for reinforcing the outer sole 13.

The L-shaped element 30 of each pair 27 of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element 5 is formed in a corresponding first recess 39 which extend inwardly into the corresponding inner sole 22 from the outer surface 24 thereof, so that when the T-shaped elements 29 of each outer sole 13 engage the L-shaped elements 30 of the corresponding inner sole 22, the outer surface 24 of the inner sole 22 and the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 tightly abut and clamp the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10 therebetween. The L-shaped element 30 of each pair 27 of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a retaining member in this embodiment of the invention provided by a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel first limbs 40, which extend from a second limb 41, which in turn extends substantially perpendicularly from an inner surface 43 of the corresponding first recess 39. The spacing between the first limbs 40 is such that the first limbs 40 define a slot 44 of width w to snuggly accommodate the central member 34 of the corresponding T-shaped element 29 therebetween. The first limbs 40 terminate at respective locations 46 spaced apart from an edge 47 of the corresponding first recess 39, in order to accommodate the cross-member 35 of the corresponding T-shaped element 29 into the first recess 39 for engaging the L-shaped element 30 in the first recess 39.

The first limbs 40 of each L-shaped element 30 extend substantially parallel to the outer surface 24 of the corresponding inner sole 22 adjacent the corresponding first recess 39. An outer surface 45 of each first limb 40 of each L-shaped element 30 lies substantially flush with the outer surface 24 of the

corresponding inner sole 22 adjacent the first recess 39. The second limb 41 of each L-shaped element 30 spaces the first limbs 40 from the inner surface 43 of the corresponding first recess 39, so that the spacing between the first limbs 40 and the inner surface 43 of the first recess 39 substantially corresponds to the depth d of the cross-member 35 of the corresponding T-shaped element 29, so that when the T-shaped elements 29 of each shoe element 5 are engaged with the corresponding L-shaped elements 30, the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 are tightly engaged between the first limbs 40 of the corresponding L-shaped element 30 and the inner surface 43 of the corresponding first recess 39. Additionally, the spacing between the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 and the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 5 is such that when the T-shaped elements 29 are engaged with the corresponding L-shaped elements 30, the first limbs 40 of the corresponding L-shaped elements 30 are tightly engaged between the cross-members 35 of the corresponding T-shaped elements 29 and the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13, so that when the T-shaped elements 29 and the corresponding L-shaped elements 30 of each shoe element 5 are interengaged, the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10 is tightly clamped between the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 and the outer surface 24 of the inner sole 22.

Spaced apart first openings 48 are formed in the sole portion 25 of each foot engageable element 10 for accommodating the T-shaped elements 29 of the corresponding pairs 27a and 27b of the interengageable complementary formation therethrough for engaging the corresponding L-shaped elements 30 thereof.

A retaining means for retaining toe portions 50 and 51 of the outer sole 13 and the inner sole 22, respectively, together adjacent the toe end 19 of each shoe element 5 comprises a first pad 53 of hooks 54 and a second pad 55 of eyes 56 of the type which are sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO. The first pad 53 of hooks 54 is secured by a suitable adhesive (not shown) to the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 adjacent the toe portion 50 thereof. The second pad 55 of eyes 56 is located in a second recess 58 formed in the inner sole 22 and extending into the inner sole 22 from the outer surface 24. The depth of the second recess 58 is such that when the hooks 54 of the first pad 53 engage the eyes 56 of the second pad 55, a toe portion 57 of the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10 is tightly clamped between the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 and the outer surface 24 of the inner sole 22, adjacent the toe portions 50 and 51 thereof.

A second opening 59 of shape and size substantially similar to the first pad 53 of the hooks 54 is formed in the toe portion 57 of the sole portion 25 of each foot engageable element 10 for accommodating the first pad 53 and the hooks 54 of the corresponding outer sole 13 therethrough for engaging the eyes 56 of the second pad 55 of the corresponding inner sole 22.

In this embodiment of the invention the outer sole 13 and the heel 17 of each shoe element 5 are of a suitable plastics material capable of keeping its shape and capable of supporting the foot of a wearer, and in particular, for supporting the bridge of the foot of a wearer. Additionally, the plastics material of the outer sole 13 and the heel 17 is of a relatively hard wearing material in order to minimise ground wear of the outer surface 15 of the outer sole 13 and the heel 17 as a result of walking, running and the like. Alternatively, the outer surface 15 of the outer sole 13 and the distal end of the heel 17 of each shoe element 5 may be laminated with hard wearing ground engaging laminates. Additionally, the outer soles 13 of the shoe elements 5 may also be reinforced from the heel end 16 to the toe end 19 with a suitable reinforcing member or plate, which typically would be of a steel or a spring steel material.

The inner sole 22 of each shoe element 5 is also of a plastics material, but of a plastics material of a relatively more flexible material than the outer soles 13 in order to accommodate engagement and disengagement of the outer and inner soles 13 and 22 by the T-shaped elements 29, the L-shaped elements 30 and the first and second pads 53 and 55 of the hooks 54 and the eyes 56. The leggings 4 may be of any suitable woven or non-woven material, fabric or otherwise, synthetic, natural, or a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres or may be of a rubber or latex material, natural or synthetic, or a mixture of both natural and synthetic. In use, to assemble the shoe elements 5 to the leggings 4, the inner soles 22 are inserted through the pants portion 7 and the leg engageable elements 9 into the respective foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 4. The inner soles 22 are located in the respective foot engageable elements 10 with the L-shaped elements 30 aligned with the corresponding first openings 48 in the sole portions 25 of the foot engageable elements 10, and the second pads 55 of the eyes 56 aligned with the second openings 59 in the sole portions 25 of the foot engageable elements 10. The outer soles 13 are then sequentially offered up to the inner soles 22 with the sole portions 25 of the foot engageable elements 10 located between the outer surface 24 of the inner soles 22 and the inner surface 14 of the outer soles 13.

The T-shaped elements 29 on the outer soles 13 are engaged with the L-shaped elements 30 on the inner soles 22 by entering the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 into the first recesses 39 in the inner soles 22 in the direction of the arrows A, and then sliding the outer soles 13 in the direction of the arrow B relative to the inner soles 22, for in turn urging the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 in the first recesses 39 between the first limbs 40 and the inner surface 43 of the first recesses 39 until the cross-members 35 engage the second limbs 41 of the L-shaped elements 30 with the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 located tightly between the first limbs 40 of the L-shaped elements 30 and the inner surface 43 of the corresponding first recesses 39 for tightly engaging the T-shaped elements 29 with the L-shaped elements 30, see Figs. 9, 12 and 13.

When the T-shaped elements 29 of each shoe element 5 have been fully engaged with the L-shaped elements 30 thereof as illustrated in Fig. 13, the first pad 53 of the hooks 54 and the second pad 55 of eyes 56 are engaged with each other by urging the toe portion 51 of the inner sole 22 downwardly towards the toe portion 50 of the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 5 until the toe portion 57 of the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable elements 10 is tightly clamped between the outer surface 24 of the inner sole 22 and the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 so that the hooks 54 of the first pads 53 tightly engage the eyes 56 of the second pad 55.

Thus, with the outer and inner soles 13 and 22 of the respective shoe elements 5 tightly secured together by the pairs 27 of the interengageable complementary formations, and the hooks 54 and eyes 56 of the first and second pads 53 and 55 fully engaged, the sole portions 25 of the corresponding foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 4 are tightly clamped between the outer and inner soles 13 and 22 of the shoe elements 5, and the article of wear 1 is ready for wearing. A person wishing to wear the article of wear 1 sequentially enters their feet 12 and legs 11 through the pants portion 7 and in turn through the respective leg engageable elements 9 until the feet 12 of the person engage the respective foot engageable elements 10. The pants portion 7 of the article of wear 1 is then pulled up along the legs 11 for in turn pulling the leg engageable elements 9 upwardly over the legs 11 of the person until the waistband 6 of the pants portion 7 engages the waist of the person.

Removal of the article of wear 1 from the person is carried out in the reverse order to that just described.

When it is desired to use the shoe elements with a different pair of leggings 4, the shoe elements 5 are disengaged from the foot engageable elements 10. Initially the toe portion 51 of the inner sole 22 of each shoe element 5 is urged upwardly from the toe portion 50 of the outer sole 13 for disengaging the hooks 54 of the first pad 53 from the eyes 56 of the second pad 55. The outer sole 13 is then urged in the direction of the arrow C relative to the inner sole 22 for disengaging the cross-members 35 of the T-shaped elements 29 from the first limbs 40 of the L-shaped elements 30. The T-shaped elements 29 are then withdrawn from the first recesses 39 by urging the outer sole 13 away from the inner sole 22 in the direction of the arrow D. The inner soles 22 are then removed from the corresponding foot engageable elements 10, and inserted into the foot engageable elements 10 of the new pair of leggings 4, and assembly of the shoe elements 5 to the foot engageable elements 10 of the new leggings 4 is similar to that already described.

On disengagement of the shoe elements 5 from the leggings 4, the leggings 4 may then be washed for reuse with the shoe elements 5.

Referring now to Figs. 14 to 22, there is illustrated an article of wear according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The article of wear 60 is somewhat similar to the article of wear 1 described with reference to Figs. 2 to 11 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the invention inner soles of the type similar to the inner soles 22 of the article of wear 1 have been omitted.

The article of wear 60 comprises leggings 61 which are substantially similar to the leggings 4 of the garment 3 of the article of wear 1. The leggings 61 comprise a pants portion 7 and leg portions 8 which form leg engageable elements 9, which in turn terminate in foot engageable elements 10, all of which are similar to the pants portion 7, the leg engageable elements 9 and the foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 4 of the garment 3 of the article of wear 1. A pair of shoe elements 62 are releasably secured to the foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 61 by respective coupling means, which will be described in detail below.

Each shoe element 62 comprises a ground engaging outer sole 13 which is substantially similar to the ground engaging outer sole 13 of the article of wear 1 , and defines an inner surface 14, and an outer ground engaging surface 15. A reinforcing plate 63 of steel plate material is secured to the inner surface 14 of the outer sole 13 of each shoe element 62, and extends from the heel end 16 to a location 64 substantially mid-way between the heel end 16 and the toe end 19 of the corresponding outer sole 13 adjacent the bridge portion 32 therof. The reinforcing plate 63 is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the width and shape of the corresponding portion of the outer sole 13. The reinforcing plate 63 may be secured to the corresponding outer sole 13 by any suitable means, for example, adhesive, rivets, screws, nails or the like.

In this embodiment of the invention the coupling means for coupling each shoe element 62 to the corresponding foot engageable element 10 comprises one pair of interengageable complementary formations, a first one of the formations of which comprises a first member 65 comprising an elongated male member which is formed by a portion 66 of plate member 68 of spring steel material secured to the reinforcing plate 63 at the location 64 and to a portion 70 of the corresponding outer sole 13 between the bridge portion 32 and the toe end 19 thereof. A second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a second female member 73, which in this case is provided by an elongated sleeve 75 which is secured to an outer surface 76 of the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10. Each sleeve 75 defines an elongated engagement bore 79 which is releasably engageable with the first member 65 of the corresponding outer sole 13 for securing the foot engageable element 10 to the corresponding shoe element 62.

The plate member 68 of each shoe element 62 is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the corresponding width and shape of the outer sole 13 and may be secured to the portion 70 of the corresponding outer sole 13 between the bridge portion 32 and the toe end 19 by any suitable securing means, for example, a suitable adhesive, rivets, screws, nails and the like. The plate member 68 of each shoe element 62 is secured to the reinforcing plate 63 at the location 64 by a welded joint 80, and the portion 66 of the plate member 68 which forms the first member 65 extends longitudinally from the welded joint 80 towards the heel end 16 of the outer sole 13 and terminates adjacent the heel end 16 thereof. The portion 66 of the plate member 68 which forms the first member 65 of each shoe element 62 is spaced apart from the reinforcing plate 63 between the welded joint 80 and the heel end 16 of the corresponding outer sole 13, for accommodating engagement of the first member 65 by the sleeve 75 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10.

The plate member 68 of each shoe element 62 is secured to the portion 70 of the outer sole 13 and is welded by the weld joint 80 to the reinforcing plate 63, so that in its relaxed state the portion 66 of the plate member 68 which forms the first member 65 at the heel end 16 thereof is spaced apart from the corresponding outer sole 13 adjacent the heel end 16 a distance d of approximately 10mm to 15mm. The resilience of each plate member 68 is such that the weight of a subject standing on the shoe elements 62 is sufficient to urge the first members 65 into engagement with the corresponding reinforcing plates 63 against the resilient urging force in the corresponding plate member 68. Thus, as a person walks or runs, the resilient urging of the first members 65 away from the corresponding reinforcing plates 63 of the respective shoe elements 62 initially urges the heels of the person upwardly from the ground during walking, thereby enhancing the walking or running efficiency of the person. Additionally, the resilient upward urging of the first members 65, results in the first members 65 acting as shock absorbers as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground during walking or running, thereby minimising shocks to the body of a wearer during walking and running.

An insole 82 is bonded by a suitable adhesive to each plate member 68 from the heel end 16 to the toe end 19, and is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the corresponding width and shape of the plate member 68.

Turning now to the sleeves 75 of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations for securing the foot engageable elements 10 to the corresponding shoe elements 62, each sleeve 75 is secured by a suitable securing means, which may be an adhesive, or stitching to the outer surface 76 of the sole portion 25 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10. Each sleeve 75 is of length substantially similar to the length of the first member 65, and extends longitudinally along the sole portion 25 from a heel end 84 of the corresponding foot engageable element 10 towards a toe end 85 thereof, and terminates at a location 86 substantially midway between the heel end 84 and the toe end 85 of the sole portion 25 of the foot engageable element 10, so that the sleeve 75 when engaged with the first member 65 of the corresponding shoe element 62 extends the length of the first member 65 from the heel end 16 to the location 64 at which the first member 65 is secured to the reinforcing plate 63. Each sleeve 75 may be of a rigid material, a semi-rigid material or a flexible material woven or non-woven, and is sized so that the engagement bore 79 thereof when engaged on the corresponding first member 65 substantially defines the transverse cross-section of the combination of the first member 65 and the insole 82, so that the sleeve 75 is a relatively tight sliding fit on the corresponding first member 65, but at the same time is releasable from the first member 65.

In use, when a person wishes to wear the article of wear 60, with the shoe elements 62 detached from the leggings 61, the leggings 61 are pulled up on the individual so that the feet of the individual engage in the foot engageable elements 10, the legs of the individual engage and are covered by the leg engageable elements 9, and the pants portion 7 are pulled up so that the waistband 6 of the pants portion 7 coincide with the waist of the individual. The shoe elements 62 are then engaged with the respective foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 61 by engaging the first members 65 of the respective shoe elements 62 with the sleeves 75 of the corresponding foot engageable elements 10. With the sleeves 75 fully and tightly engaged on the first members 65, the shoe elements 62 are secured to the leggings 61, and the article of wear 60 is ready for use.

The advantage of the article of wear 60 according to this embodiment of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the article of wear 60 is that the shoe elements 62 can be readily and easily attached and detached to the foot engageable elements 10 of the leggings 61. Additionally, the provision of the first members 65 as resilient members spaced apart from the outer sole 13 has the added advantage that the first members 65 act as a spring, so that when depressed downwardly into abutting engagement with the reinforcing plates 63 adjacent the heel portion 18 of the outer sole 13 the spring urging action of the first members 65 is in a direction upwardly, thus urging the heel of the subject upwardly relative to the outer sole 13 and in turn relative to the ground to assist in urging the feet of the subject upwardly during walking or running, and thus enhancing the walking efficiency or running efficiency, as the case may be of an individual, and additionally, the first members 65 act as shock absorbers during walking or running, and thereby protect a wearer from shocks as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground. While the reinforcing plates have been described as comprising plates of steel plate material, any other suitable material for the reinforcing plates may be used. Indeed, it will be appreciated that any other suitable reinforcing members may be used instead of reinforcing plates.

It is also envisaged that the first members 65 of the article of wear 60 need not necessarily be provided as resilient members, and in which case, the first members would be provided to be located slightly spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer soles, so that the sleeves 75 would be readily easily slideable on to the first member 65. It will also be appreciated that instead of lining the first members 65 with insoles, the insoles may be dispensed with. Indeed, it is envisaged that in certain cases insoles may be located in the foot engageable elements of the article of wear 60 adjacent the inner surface of the sole portion 25 of the foot engageable elements 10.

It will of course be appreciated that the outer soles of the article of wear 1 and the article of wear 60 may be provided as flat soles, or substantially flat soles with relatively low heels or no heels.

Further, it is envisaged that instead of providing one of the interengageable complementary formations of the pair thereof in connection with the article of wear 60 in the form of a sleeve, the interengageable complementary formation may be provided by one or more spaced apart loops which would be engageable with the corresponding first member 65 at spaced apart locations.

While the garments of the articles of wear 1 and 60 have been described in this embodiment of the invention as comprising leggings, the garments may be any other desired garments, for example, jeans, slacks or trousers, and in which case, the legs of the jeans, slacks or trousers will terminate in respective foot engageable elements, each of which will have a sole portion, which when the shoe elements are secured to the foot engageable elements of the jeans, slacks or trousers, the sole portion of the foot engageable elements will be clamped between the inner and outer soles of the shoe elements of the article of wear 1, and will be secured to the shoe elements by the corresponding sleeves.

Additionally, instead of leggings, the garment may be provided by tights, and in which case, the foot portion of the tights would form the foot engageable elements. In which case, the foot portion of the tights would be provided with the first and second openings 48 and 59 for accommodating the T-shaped elements of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations through the first openings, and the hooks 54 of the first pads 53 and the first pads 53 through the second openings 59 of the article of wear 1.

While specific pairs of interengageable complementary formations for securing the inner and outer soles together have been described, with reference to the article of wear 1, and for securing the shoe elements to the foot engageable elements any other suitable pair of interengageable complementary formations may be provided. Indeed, while it is desirable, it is not essential that the pairs of interengageable complementary formations be releasable. It is also envisaged that the pads of hooks and eyes may be omitted. Alternatively, instead of the pads of the hooks and eyes, a further pair of interengageable complementary formations may be provided adjacent the toe portions of the outer and inner soles of the shoe elements of the article of wear 1.

While the inner soles have been described as being releaseably located in the respective foot engageable elements, it is envisaged in certain cases, that the inner soles may be secured to the corresponding sole portions of the respective foot engageable elements. The inner soles could be secured to the corresponding sole portions of the respective foot engageable elements by any suitable securing means, for example, by bonding with a suitable adhesive.

While the outer soles of the shoe elements have been described as comprising a relatively high heel, while this is desirable, it is not essential, and in certain cases, it is envisaged that the outer soles may be provided with a relatively low heel, or indeed, with no heel. In general, the type of heel will most likely be dictated by the fashions of the time and/or level of comfort desired by the wearer, and/or the use for which the articles of wear are required. However, once the soles are provided with a heel, be it a high heel or a low heel or a heel of medium height, the outer soles and the inner soles of the article of wear 1 will be appropriately shaped.

It is envisaged that a steel reinforcing shank may be provided extending through the bridge portion of each outer sole 13, and the reinforcing shank would extend from and be welded to the corresponding reinforcing spigot 20. In cases where the outer sole is provided with such a steel reinforcing shank extending through the bridge portion of the outer sole, the central member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding pair 22b of the interengageable complementary formations would be welded to the steel reinforcing shank. While the shoe elements have been described without uppers, in certain cases, it is envisaged that uppers may be provided.

While the shoe elements have been described as formal type shoes, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the shoe elements may be provided to be suitable as sports shoes, running shoes, flat sole shoes or any other types of shoes.

It will also be appreciated that while the article of wear has been described as having a pants and leg portions, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the article of wear may comprise leg engageable elements only, which would extend upwardly from the foot engageable elements, and the leg engageable elements may be of length to terminate in use below the knee of the wearer, or above the knee terminating along the thigh, and in particular, terminating at the upper portion of the thigh.

Claims

1. An article of wear comprising a garment comprising a foot engageable element and a leg engageable element extending from the foot engageable element, a shoe element comprising a ground engaging outer sole, and a coupling means for releasably coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element of the garment.

2. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 1 in which the coupling means is configured for coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element with a sole portion of the foot engageable element abutting the outer sole.

3. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the outer sole defines a ground engaging outer surface, and an opposite inner surface.

4. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the shoe engageable element comprises an inner sole configured for locating in the foot engageable element, and the coupling means is configured for coupling the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element trapped between the inner sole and the outer sole.

5. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 4 in which the coupling means is configured to tightly couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element tightly clamped between the inner sole and the outer sole.

6. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the inner sole defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and the coupling means is configured to couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element located between the outer surface of the inner sole and the inner surface of the outer sole.

7. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which the coupling means comprises at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations.

8. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 7 in which one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the outer sole, and the other one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the inner sole.

9. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which two spaced apart pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are provided.

10. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9 in which one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is located adjacent a heel portion of the respective soles, and the other one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are located forwardly on the respective soles spaced apart from the pair of the interengageable complementary formations located adjacent the heel portion of the soles.

11. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10 in which the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof are releasable interengageable complementary formations.

12. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 11 in which one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises a retaining member connected to and spaced apart from one of the inner sole and the outer sole, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises an engagement member connected to and spaced apart from the other one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the engagement member being configured for engaging between the retaining member of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

13. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 12 in which the engagement member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a cross-member of a T-shaped element, and a central member of the T-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to the cross-member for connecting the cross-member to and spacing the cross-member apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole.

14. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 in which the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a first limb of an L-shaped element, and a second limb of the L-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sol&and the outer sole to the first limb for connecting the first limb to and spacing the first limb apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limb being configured for engaging between the cross-member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limb is connected.

15. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 14 in which the L-shaped member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of spaced apart first limbs, and one second limb connecting the pair of the first limbs to the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limbs defining an elongated slot therebetween for accommodating the central member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations with the first limbs located on respective opposite sides of the central member of the T-shaped element and located between the cross-member of the T-shaped element and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected by the second limb.

16. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15 in which the cross-member of the T-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the first limbs of the L-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other.

17. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16 in which the first limbs of the L-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the cross-member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the cross-member is connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other.

18. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 17 in which the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected.

19. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 18 in which the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially transversely of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected.

20. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 19 in which the T-shaped element of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the inner surface of the outer sole of the corresponding shoe element.

21. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 20 in which the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

22. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 21 in which the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially longitudinally of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected.

23. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 21 in which the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the outer surface of the inner sole of the corresponding shoe element.

24. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 23 in which one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof is recessed into a first recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which that interengageable complementary formation is connected.

25. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 24 in which the interengageable complementary formation of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations which is recessed into the first recess lies flush with the surface of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole into which the first recess is formed.

26. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 24 or 25 in which the interengageable complementary formation comprising the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is recessed into the first recess of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole.

27. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 26 in which a first opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating a corresponding one of the

interengageable complementary formation of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations.

28. An . article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 27 in which a first pad of one of hooks and eyes is located on the outer sole, and a second pad of the other ones of the hooks and eyes is located on the inner sole of the shoe element, the first and second pads being located so that the hooks on one of the first and second pads are interengageable with the eyes of the other one of the first and second pads for retaining the inner and outer soles together.

29. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 28 in which a second opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating one of the hooks and the eyes of the respective first and second pads to engage with each other one of the hooks and the eyes.

30. An article of wear as claimed in Claims 28 or 29 in which the first pad comprises the hooks.

31. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 30 in which the first and second pads are located adjacent the toe ends of the inner sole and the outer sole.

32. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 31 in which one of the first and second pads comprising the one of the hooks and the eyes is recessed into a second recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner and outer soles.

33. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 32 in which the second pad is recessed into the second recess in the inner sole.

34. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 33 in which the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element.

35. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 34 in which the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element by a suitable bonding material.

36. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 35 in which the inner sole is releaseably secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element.

37. An article of wear as claimed in any of Clams 1 to 3 in which the coupling means comprises a pair of interengageable complementary formations, one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the outer sole, and the other one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element.

38. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 37 in which one of the interengageable complementary formations is located externally on the foot engageable element.

39. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 37 or 38 in which one of the interengageable formations comprises a first elongated male member, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a second female member engageable with the first member.

40. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 39 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is mounted on the inner surface of the outer sole.

41. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 39 or 40 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole intermediate a toe end and a heel end thereof, and extends in a general direction towards the heel end of the outer sole.

42. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 41 in which the first member extends longitudinally along the outer sole from the location at which it is secured thereto to a location adjacent the heel end of the outer sole.

43. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 42 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a resilient member, and is secured to the outer sole to be resiliently urged away from the inner surface of the outer sole.

44. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 43 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer sole from a location intermediate the location at which the first member is secured to the outer sole to the end of the first member towards the heel end thereof.

45. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 44 in which the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 5mm to 20mm in its relaxed state.

46. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 45 in which the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 10mm to 15mm in its relaxed state.

47. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 46 in which the heel end of the first member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance of approximately 12mm in its relaxed state.

48. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 47 in which the resilience of the first member is such that in use the weight of a person standing in the shoe is sufficient to urge the first member into abutting engagement with the inner surface of the outer sole.

49. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 48 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole adjacent a bridge portion of the outer sole.

50. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 49 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole at a location substantially midway between the toe end and the heel end of the outer sole.

51. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 50 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends along the outer sole from the location to which it is secured to the outer sole to a location adjacent the toe end of the outer sole, and is secured to the outer sole adjacent the toe end thereof.

52. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 51 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a plate member.

53. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claim 52 in which the plate member is of a metal material.

54. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 53 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a spring steel member.

55. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 54 in which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is of width substantially similar to the width of the outer sole.

56. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 55 in which the interengageable complementary formation of the pair of interengageable complementary formations which is secured to the foot engageable element is secured to the foot engageable element adjacent a sole portion thereof.

57. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 56 in which the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations defines an engagement bore for engaging the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations.

58. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 57 in which the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element at a location intermediate a heel end of the foot engageable element and a location on the foot engageable element corresponding to a location at which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole.

59. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 58 in which the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated sleeve defining the engagement bore for engaging the first member.

60. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 59 in which the engagement bore of the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated bore extending substantially the length of the sleeve.

61. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 60 in which the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends longitudinally along the sole portion of the foot engageable element from a location adjacent the heel end thereof towards the toe end thereof.

62. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 61 in which the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the heel end of the sole portion of the foot engageable element to a location of the sole portion of the foot engageable element corresponding to the location at which the male member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole.

63. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which a heel is provided extending from the outer surface of the outer sole.

64. An article of wear as claimed in Claim 63 in which the heel is an elongated heel.

65. An article of wear as claimed in Claims 63 or 64 in which the heel is of length not exceeding 130mm.

66. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 65 in which the heel is of length not exceeding 125mm.

67. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 66 in which the heel is of length not exceeding 120mm.

68. An article of wear as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 67 in which the inner and outer soles are shaped to accommodate the heel.

69. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use adjacent the knee of a wearer.

70. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use at a location adjacent an upper portion of the thigh of the wearer.

71. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the leg engageable element extends from the foot engageable element and terminates in a leg opening of a pants.

72. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the garment comprises a pants portion having a pair of leg openings, a pair of the leg engageable elements extending from the pants portion adjacent the leg openings thereof, and a pair of the foot engageable elements extending from the respective leg engageable elements, and a pair of the shoe elements secured to the respective foot engageable elements.

73. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the garment comprises one of leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers, the one of the leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers forming the pants portion and a pair of leg portions extending from the pants portion forming the respective leg engageable elements, the foot engageable elements extending from and secured to the respective leg engageable elements.

74. An article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim in which the garment comprises a pair of tights, the tights forming the pants portion forming the pants portion, the pair of the leg engageable elements and the foot engageable elements.

75. A shoe element for the article of wear as claimed in any preceding claim.